Abstract

OBJECTIVE: This study aims to investigate if the parameters such as neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), mean platelet volume (MPV), platelet count (PLT), plateletcrit (PCT) and platelet distribution width (PDW) can be used to assess the recovery time of Bell’s palsy.

METHODS: Between January 2011 and January 2014, a total of 48 patients (22 males, 26 females; mean age 43.5±22.1 years; range 3 to 76 years), who were followed up for Bell’s palsy for a period of one to three years, and 49 healthy individuals (20 males, 29 females; mean age 40.4±18.2 years; range 3 to 72 years), for control, were included in the study. NLR, MPV, PLT, PCT and PDW values were measure with an automated blood cell counter. All patients were treated with prednisone. The recovery time of the patients were compared.

RESULTS: The mean PCT, MPV and neutrophil values in patients with Bell’s palsy were significantly higher than that of the control group (p<0.05). The eosinophil values in patients with Bell’s palsy were significantly lower than that of the control group (p<0.05).

CONCLUSION: Although NLR, PLT, PCT, PDW and MPV values informs us about the etiological aspects, this study shows that they cannot be used as an indicator to predict prognosis or the recovery time.